Preventative Medicine

Preventive medicine is a proactive approach to health, helping patients stay well. At Socrates A. Garrigos, MD, PA, in McAllen, Texas, the highly skilled health team, including board-certified internal medicine physician Socrates Garrigos, MD, specializes in preventive medicine. Their wellness and preventive services focus on helping you maintain good health and detect potential issues before they turn into serious concerns. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about preventive medicine and how it benefits you.

Why is preventive medicine important?

Preventive medicine is an area of health care that focuses on reducing risk of disease and ultimately preventing disability and early death. 

About 60% of adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease, a condition that lasts longer than a year and requires regular medical care or limits functioning. Some of the most common chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are also the leading causes of disability and death in the nation.

Many of the chronic health issues affecting adults stem from unhealthy behaviors such as using tobacco, not getting enough exercise, and making poor food choices.

Preventive medicine sees the connection between disease and behaviors and aims to help patients create a lifestyle that benefits their health, preventing or delaying chronic health problems. 

I’m in good overall health. When do I need preventive medicine?

There’s never a wrong time for preventive medicine. Starting preventive medicine when you’re in good health is the best way to stay in good health. 

You also benefit from preventive medicine if you have a chronic health condition. The team at Socrates A. Garrigos, MD, PA, provides chronic disease management, helping you manage your chronic disease in your day-to-day life.

What services are provided with preventive medicine?

Socrates A. Garrigos, MD, PA, is an internal medicine practice that provides comprehensive primary care services for adults. Preventive medicine services include:

Annual physical exams
Your annual physical exam is the most important health visit of the year. At this exam, your provider assesses your current state of health and risk of future health problems. 

Health screenings
Health screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. Finding health issues in the early stages may prevent or delay serious health problems. Socrates A. Garrigos, MD, PA, has in-house diagnostics and can do health screening bloodwork at the office.

Updating vaccinations
Vaccines help your immune system protect you from contagious diseases. The team at Socrates A. Garrigos, MD, PA, keeps track of your vaccines and provides additional vaccinations as needed.

Cancer prevention
The internal medicine practice also provides cancer prevention services. They encourage lifestyle changes that may lower your risk of certain types of cancers, like smoking cessation, eating more fruits and vegetables, and taking steps to protect your skin from the sun.

Preventive medicine puts you in charge of your health and wellness. Call Socrates A. Garrigos, MD, PA, today or book an appointment online to schedule an appointment.